Seborrhoeic dermatitis
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| Seborrhoeic dermatitis Classification and external resources | |
 | |
|---|---|
| ICD-10 | L21. |
| ICD-9 | 690 |
| DiseasesDB | 11911 |
| MedlinePlus | 000963 |
| eMedicine | derm/396 |
| MeSH | D012628 |
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Seborrhoeic eczema (also Seborrheic dermatitis AmE, seborrhea) is a skin disorder affecting the scalp, face, and trunk causing scaly, flaky, itchy, red skin. It particularly affects the sebum-gland rich areas of skin.
Causes
The cause of seborrhoeic dermatitis remains unknown, although many factors have been implicated. The widely present yeast, Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale), is involved,[1][1] as well as genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune-system factors.[1][1] A suggestion that seborrhoeic dermatitis is an inflammatory response to this yeast has yet to be proven.[1] Those afflicted with seborrhoeic dermatitis have an unfavourable epidermic response to the infection, with the skin becoming inflamed and flaking.
In children, excessive vitamin A intake can cause seborrhoeic dermatitis.[1] Lack of biotin,[1] pyridoxine (vitamin B6)[1][1] and riboflavin (vitamin B2)[1] may also be a cause.
Hair loss
Side effects to inflammation may include temporary hair loss. If severe outbreaks go untreated for long periods of time, permanent hair loss may result due to damaged hair follicles.
Expect two to six months before hair growth may resume.
Treatments
Soaps and detergents such as sodium laureth sulfate may precipitate a flare-up, as they strip moisture from the top layers of the skin, and the drying property of these can cause flare-ups and may worsen the condition. Accordingly a suitable alternative should be used instead.
Among dermatologist recommended treatments are shampoos containing coal tar, ciclopiroxolamine ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione.[1] For severe disease, keratolytics such as salicylic acid or coal tar preparations may be used to remove dense scale. Topical terbinafine solution (1%) has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of scalp seborrhoea,[1] as may lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or corticosteroids (such as fluocinolone acetonide). Pimecrolimus topical lotion is also sometimes prescribed.
Chronic treatment with topical corticosteroids may lead to permanent skin changes, such as atrophy and telangiectasia.[1][1]
UV-A and UV-B light inhibit the growth of M. furfur,[1] although caution should be taken to avoid sun damage.
Those with seborrhoeic dermatitis might benefit from biotin supplements. One might also try a humidifier by the bed, as well as a gentle moisturizer with or without oatmeal. Applying milk of magnesia may help clear up seborrheic dermatitis; one may apply on the face while showering and rinse off at the end of the shower.[1]
Plant-based treatments
The World Health Organization mentions Aloe vera gel as a yet to be scientifically proven traditional medicine treatment for Seborrhoeic dermatitis.[1]
- Arctium lappa (Burdock) oil[1]
- Chelidonium majus (Celandine)[1]
- Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)[1]
- Melaleuca (Tea tree) species[1]
- Plantago (Plantain) species[1]
- Symphytum officinale (Comfrey)[1]
- Zingiber officinale (Ginger) root juice[1]
See also
References
External links
- Seborrhoeic Dermatitis at DermNet
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: An Overview - July 1, 2006 -- American Family Physician
ca:Dermatitis seborreica de:Seborrhoisches Ekzemfr:Dermite séborrhéique gl:Dermatite seborreica it:Dermatite seborroica he:דהנת mk:Себороичен дерматит nl:Seborrhoïsch eczeem ja:脂漏性湿疹sv:Seborré
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
